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Changes International Flight Rules In Exchange For More O/T
Pay

On
Sunday, the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) ratified its earlier
agreement with Northwest Airlines on contract issues and work
rules, that should help improve the airline’s operational
performance and reliability. The vote by the Northwest ALPA Master
Executive Council (MEC) confirms a tentative agreement reached
August 1, 2007.

"We’re pleased that the MEC has agreed to this important
step that will help Northwest Airlines return to its historical
status as one of industry’s most reliable airlines," said
Northwest president and CEO Doug Steenland. "We look forward to
continuing to collaborate with our pilots and their representatives
to drive operational improvements and better serve
Northwest’s customers. We know we have to earn our
customers’ business and trust every day, and we are confident
that this agreement, combined with other steps we are aggressively
implementing, will help us achieve that."

As ANN reported, the
agreement ratified Sunday implements contractual changes on work
rules pertaining to international flying, as well as the settlement
of an outstanding grievance, in exchange for the reinstatement of
premium pay of 50 percent for all pilots flying more than 80 hours
a month, effective August 1, 2007.

Northwest says the agreement is economically neutral, with the
cost to Northwest of the premium-pay element offset by the value of
the work-rule changes and grievance settlement.